I have a 20ft. Nitro, but it only came with a 50lb Motor Guide trolling motor.  It worked for the past few months, but when March comes around and Im on Toledo Bend or Fork, I know I will need more juice.  I have been looking around for a good deal and I found a 80lb Minn Kota for $659.99.  This is an absolutely ridiculous deal, but there is one problem.  This thing has a 62" shaft.  Is that going to be too long.  I think mine now is 42", and if I could choose I would opt for the 52", but 62"?  Would you put that on your boat, or do you think it will just get in the way?

The long shaft motors are designed for a deep v. It will probably get in your way.

If the length of the shaft is a problem, you can take the motor to a TM repair shop and have the length cut back.

I recently installed a 80#, 60" shaft on my 20 Javelin because that's the only 24V that comes with the gps, iPilot system and tansducer installed.  I also just finished a three day trip on Lake Falcon, fishing way back in the middle of brush country and the motor did not create a problem.  I left it down about 90% of the time but there were times when I did have to raise it so the head was up about a foot and a half - two feet.  While I'd prefer it not have been there, it didn't create any real problem.  Most of the time I was able to orient the boat so it was not in the way. 

Granted, I would not recommend it or say it's NO problem, but it didn't create any real problems for me on that trip.   

Now, early spring when I start working extremely shallow water with a lot of spinner baits and rattle traps, I may change my tune, say to heck with the warrenty and saw that sucker off.  With those, I mainly role cast and from all directions, so that tree always sticking up there may be a problem.

Exactly what I was thinking.  When I get in 2 fow and the Tm is sticking up two n a half feet, it will get in the way trying to cast sidearm.

Long Mike, a TM shop can cut the shaft down and not void the warrenty?

I just recently went through the same dilemma on a 18.5 foot champion. Had a 55 lb motor guide with 42" shaft, went to a 70lb mk with 62" shaft. Had a Mk repair shop purchase and install a 54" shaft onto my 70lb Mk.

If I do not put the TM all the way down, I hit it atleast once a day while casting. UUgh! Those turn out to be nasty backlashes if you were really loading up on a cast. But the 42 was not long enough for me when fishing rough water. It would keep popping out.

I just have to remember to put in down when not fishing shallow water. It is a trade off but I needed more power and a longer shaft.

Depending upon the year and model, you can shorten your existing shaft by cutting it, or you can just purchase the length you want and have it installed. If I recall, My MK rep said you can only shorten certain models. The cost of my new shaft was only like $40 for the shaft.

good luck.